Mark Prior is the epitome of that. The Cubs cut their
former future loose tonight, rather than granting him arbitration which would've cost them about $3.4M. The teams couldn't come to terms on a contract mainly because the Cubs wanted a club option for 2009, Prior didn't.
Which brings us to the Yankees. Prior is exactly the type of guy I'd like to see the Yanks bring in. He won't cost anything but money, he won't demand a long-term deal and he'll be highly, highly motivated. I don't know how Prior would feel about a bullpen assignment, but if he's amenable, he could be a perfect fit. Offer him a one-year deal in the neighborhood of $4M, bring him in and see if maybe he's kicked the injury bug. Best-case scenario, he reclaims the form that made him the #1 pitching prospect in the game, dominates for the Yanks in '08 and make a boatload of money for himself in '09 and beyond.
Worst-case, he's plagued by injuries again and becomes Carl Pavano (minus 3 years and $35M flushed down the toilet). From Prior's perspective, it may be a hard sell to come to the A.L. East and face the best offenses in the league, but if he isn't a shrinking violet, there's no better stage in the league on which to rebuild your value.
If you're Brian Cashman, it's worth a shot. The guy is only 27.
Owing to my weird, low $/sleepless life style, I listen a lot to WGN AM, over the air ( home of the Cubs )*. No 2 pitchers have created more depression among their fans, than Kerry Woods & Prior over the last decade.
I think you're right Brian, though I don't think Prior is a NYC type. Sadly, this guy is worse snakebit than Pavano. AND he never even dated Alyssa Milano!
* late of the Bronx, now in VA
Juke,
Could you imagine the Cubs rotation right now if Wood and Prior had stayed healthy and developed like everyone thought they would? Unreal.
Anyway, it's worth a shot, but he's probably going to take the easy way out, stay in the N.L. and try to put up sick numbers before he becomes a free agent.
Ugh...the speculation begins. $4 million is a lot to give a guy when you know he won't pitch until May at the earliest, and if at all. I doubt he'll pitch out of the bullpen because he complained about it all Spring about that possibility.
It's a good risk to take though for a team with money if you can give him two years/$7 million, although I think he'd bolt soon after that if he's not loved by everyone.
If they could get him for 2 years/$7M I'd do it. There's no rush to get him back, and even if he doesn't contribute much this year, they're going to need at least one starter next year with Mussina and probably Pettitte leaving.